Framingham ZBA turns down Walden plan

Tuesday

After months of hearings, a plan to build a treatment center for eating and mood disorders failed to get approval for a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals Monday night.

After months of hearings, a plan to build a treatment center for eating and mood disorders failed to get approval for a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals Monday night.

Needing the OK of all three of the board’s members, Walden Behavioral Care’s proposal ultimately caused a “problem” for chairman Philip Ottaviani, who cast the lone vote against the project.

“I’ve got one hurdle I can’t get over,” he said, referring to the staunch opposition from neighbors living near the 518 Pleasant St. campus.

Fellow board members Susan Craighead and Stephen Meltzer, who voted in favor of the plan, had lobbied for the board to give its approval, arguing Walden’s use of the site was not only appropriate but would also preserve the property’s existing buildings, which were formerly home to the Marist House, and much of its open space.

“It’s a beautiful site, and it’s a decent project,” Craighead said. “I know some people are going to object, but some people are going to object to anything.”

A representative for Walden had also pointed out the healthcare company had agreed to the board’s 25 conditions for approval, many of which addressed residents’ concerns.

“I think the applicant has clearly met all the requirements in the special permit,” said James Hanrahan.

Among the final conditions hashed out at Monday’s meeting were a restriction on new building construction of more than 40,000 square feet and a requirement that Walden chip in for the creation of a right-turn-only lane from Pleasant Street onto Temple Street to alleviate traffic on the roads.

After closing the public hearing on the matter last week, the board spent the bulk of the meeting going over those last few details. Around 40 residents also were in attendance, but were not allowed to comment.

After toying with the idea of delaying the vote a day, Ottiviani called on the members to finish the job that night. Explaining his stance, he said Walden’s intent to open an 80-bed treatment facility in the primarily residential area would not have been “in harmony with the neighborhood.” He would instead like to see homes built there.

Scott O’Connell can be reached at 508-626-4449 or soconnell@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ScottOConnellMW.

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